5 fabulous free events in Devon: summer 2014

18th June 2014

Categories: Visitor News

Throughout summer 2014 there are fabulous free events going on all over Devon.
If you’re on a bit of a budget then Devon is a great choice for a holiday this June, July and August. As well as miles of beautiful coast and countryside to explore totally gratis, there are festivals, carnivals, shows and educational activities that won’t cost you a penny – but they will give you lasting memories and a whole heap of fun.
Read on to find free Devon events that you’ll love – plus suggestions for great campsites to stay in nearby.

Coming soon: more news on what’s on in Devon this summer, including ‘don’t miss’ events, and August Bank Holiday events

• Find more events around Devon this summer including events for kids and families, festival events, music festivals, food festivals and sports events
• Find more events around Devon in: Exeter & surrounds; Dartmoor; South Devon; Torquay, Paignton and Brixham; North Devon & Exmoor; Plymouth
• Find attractions across Devon

1. Paignton Regatta
Every year family-friendly Paignton lays on a week of free entertainment during its Regatta, making it a great base for a low-cost holiday. This year Paignton Regatta runs from August 9-17, and based on last year’s programme (2014’s is yet to be announced) you can expect: fun for kids such as face painting, laser clay shooting, animal shows; competitions for sandcastle builders, bakers, florists and gardeners; rowing, beach games, children’s sports, swimming and cycle races; live music and professional dancers; fireworks displays; cream teas, cider and ales.
Also try: BMAD Bike Nights on Paignton seafront through June and July
Great campsite nearby: Whitehill Country Park, Paignton

2. Armed Forces Day, Plymouth
A fantastic spectacle that can send a shiver down your spine – Armed Forces Day (June 28) in Plymouth is a great day out. In the lovely setting of Plymouth Hoe there’ll be land, sea and air displays, including a search and rescue display by a Sea King in Plymouth Sound, plus parades across the Hoe, a performance from the Central Band of the RAF, and a Merlin helicopter on display. Come the evening there’ll also be live music from bands including Joey and the Lips, Supersonic, The Vibes and Rhapsody The Definitive Queen Tribute Act. Also worth visiting this coming weekend (June 21) are Exeter’s celebrations marking Armed Forces Day.
Also try: Family Films on the Big Screen – free screenings on the outdoor City Centre Big Screen, July 24 & 31 and August 7
Great campsite nearby: Pennymoor Caravan and Camping Park, Ivybridge

3. RSPB Nature Walks
Every Saturday throughout the summer, from 2pm-3pm, the RSPB will be taking groups of adults and children on free nature walks around Darts Farm near Topsham. This lovely setting (leave time for a look around Darts Farm afterwards – it’s a huge, award-farm shop and lifestyle centre with great places to eat, too) will become even more so as you look for kingfishers, buzzards and all sorts of other exciting wildlife, and children will love the funky nature bingo game.
Also try: Exeter Craft Festival, July 18&19
Great campsite nearby: Crealy Meadows Camping and Caravan Site

4. National UK Sandcastle Competition, Croyde
The UK National Sandcastle Competition 2014 returns to Croyde in North Devon on Sunday August 31, and teams of friends, colleagues and families will be on the beach from 11.30am making sand sculptures and enormous, elaborate sandcastles. It’s free to watch, and there’s a great atmosphere and entertainment, but for a small contribution (which goes to charity) you could join in too; there’s a huge range of building abilities and sandcastle outcomes, so don’t worry if you feel yours may not be up to scratch!
Also try: Hartland Carnival, August 3-9
Great campsite nearby: Ruda Holiday Park

5. Flavour Fest, Plymouth
The largest free food festival in the South West, Flavour Fest (August 15-17) shows off fantastic regional produce, alongside demonstrations and food theatre from some of the top names in cooking. More than 120 food and drink traders will line the streets from Armada Way to The Piazza Friday 15 to Sunday 17 August, offering local produce including fresh fish, cheese, cider, cakes, meat, wine and hot food that’s ready to eat. Highlights also include a ‘Ready, Steady, Cook’ style show, a ‘Food is Fun’ area for kids, and a real ale and wine area – for the grownups, of course!
Great campsite nearby: Dartmoor Country Holidays, Horrabridge